This is seen in how her two brothers decide to control her, by dictating whether or not she can marry, as marriage carries significant financial and social effects. In the case of the duchess, a second marriage would mean that her two power hungry brothers would not inherit the funds and estate of her late husband. As a duke and a cardinal, respectively, the brothers enjoy a certain lifestyle and power that was almost unrivalled by any other profession or office of the time. The maintenance of such a lifestyle, especially in a time when wars and other disturbances could easily upheave the social order, constant vigilance and greed were essential in maintaining such a status. This could explain the brothers’ insatiable greed for the duchess’ money. Familial relations at the time also dictated that the females in the family remain subservient to the males, so technically the brothers were “caretakers” or at least in charge of the
This is seen in how her two brothers decide to control her, by dictating whether or not she can marry, as marriage carries significant financial and social effects. In the case of the duchess, a second marriage would mean that her two power hungry brothers would not inherit the funds and estate of her late husband. As a duke and a cardinal, respectively, the brothers enjoy a certain lifestyle and power that was almost unrivalled by any other profession or office of the time. The maintenance of such a lifestyle, especially in a time when wars and other disturbances could easily upheave the social order, constant vigilance and greed were essential in maintaining such a status. This could explain the brothers’ insatiable greed for the duchess’ money. Familial relations at the time also dictated that the females in the family remain subservient to the males, so technically the brothers were “caretakers” or at least in charge of the